While the Legislature worked quickly in the final days of the regular session to pass a questionable plan to equalize school funding, Sen. Steve Abrams (R-Arkansas City) and Rep. Ron Highland (R-Wamego) introduced a school finance plan to replace the block grant system in the House Education Committee. It is the cause of much concern.

House Bill 2741 raises the statewide mill levy from 20 mills to 35 mills, resulting in a $450 million property tax increase, according to the Kansas Department of Education. The bill would also give school boards unlimited authority to raise local property taxes subject to a public vote.

Allowing this to happen will cause greater inequity due to disparities in wealth as related to a district’s tax base. For example, one mill of property tax in USD 499 Galena raises $17,338, or $24 per student, while one mill in USD 244 Burlington raises $449,704, or $550 per student. This is just another lawsuit waiting to happen.

Funding would be determined by the number of students in the district as determined by the previous year’s enrollment. None of the money provided by the state could be spent on extracurricular activities, including athletics, or food service. School districts would have the option to fund these programs themselves through fees, levy additional property taxes with approval of a public vote, or eliminate the programs all together.

The plan also permits the use of taxpayer dollars to subsidize private schools. Parents of students who have yet to start school or are currently enrolled in public schools, but choose to leave, could receive up to 70 percent of the per-pupil aid in their school district to use towards private or home school expenses.

To put that into perspective, that means that the parents of a student attending a school in a district of less than 400 students could get nearly $6,000 each year. For home school parents, that would be a real money maker.

In short, House Bill 2741 would be a heavy burden for property taxpayers, result in a more inequitable school finance system, and adversely impact the future of public education in Kansas.

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The City of Osage City offices will be closed Monday, November 12, 2018, for Veterans Day. Customers whose trash is normally picked up on Monday will be picked up on Tuesday, November 13. For more information call Osage City Hall at 785-528-3714.www.osagecountyonline.com/archives/31328... See MoreSee Less

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In an era when a favorite pair of shoes was meant to last past the time when they lost their sole, the Royal Shoe Shop served the community of Lyndon. Previously owned by a Mr. Leslie L. Barnes, it was purchased in 1923 by Clyde Morand, a fresh graduate of the Kansas School for the Deaf.Read more of Osage County's Hidden History by Wendi Bevitt: www.osagecountyonline.com/archives/31350... See MoreSee Less

There are currently a variety of job openings in Osage County News Help Wanted section. -----Here's one:Applicants for the office of Osage County Attorney are currently being sought due to the October 11, 2018, resignation of the current Osage County Attorney, Brandon L. Jones. A cover letter, resume’ and references may be sent to Dana Webber, Osage County Republican Central Committee Chairman, 307 S. Boyle Street, Scranton, KS 66537 or email: [email protected] The unexpired term will be filled prior to December 1, 2018, with an election to the office determined by the Osage County Republican Precinct People. Deadline to apply is November 2, 2018, for submission of resume’ and references by candidates who desire to be considered for the elected position of Osage County Attorney.-----Visit OCN Help Wanted to see other job openings: www.osagecountyonline.com/?s=Help+Wanted%3A&x=0&y=0... See MoreSee Less

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!Osage County Elections Clerk Dena McMahon has announced the Osage County Courthouse will be open two evenings this week for early voting. In addition to regular hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week and until noon on Nov.5, the courthouse will be open until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 30, and Thursday, Nov. 1, for early voters.For more information about voting in Osage County, contact McMahon at 785-828-4812 or visit the county clerk’s office at the courthouse at 717 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, Kan.www.osagecountyonline.com/archives/31326... See MoreSee Less